Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA star eviscerates 'scared' Ben Simmons

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/26/23

Chandler Parsons doesn't believe Ben Simmons can reach an All-Star level again. The former Dallas Mavericks standout believes Simmons' best years are behind him. The Brooklyn Nets star is only 27 years old and should be entering the start of his prime years.

Parsons blasted Simmons on a recent episode of FanDuel's "Run It Back."

"That ship sailed," Parsons said. "I'd love to see him out there playing. I just don't understand where's that aggressiveness, where's that versatility? ... He plays scared. I don't know what happened and how he got here. The fact he's playing, and he's healthy, that's a good start. The idea that he will turn into this 20 and 10 All-Star is not possible."

"He plays scared, I don't know what happen, or how we got here."@ChandlerParsons doesn't think we'll ever see All-Star Ben Simmons again.

: https://t.co/qYBPWhYgh7 pic.twitter.com/KsLKIjDJC6
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 26, 2023

Brooklyn needs Simmons to rediscover that level of production. Simmons has the talent to be an elite player in the NBA. He's proved it before, especially as a high-level defender who can also orchestrate an offense in the half court. Simmons doesn't need to be an All-Star immediately, either. If he can play at a high level, remain healthy and be aggressive on offense, he will raise Brooklyn's chances of being a competitive roster.

Simmons hasn't been an All-Star since 2021. That's not too long ago. Yes, in basketball terms, three seasons have passed. However, in the grand scheme of an NBA career, it's only a blip. Simmons isn't coming back from a career-threatening injury. Nor is he on the wrong side of 30. There is no logical reason why he can't reach his former level, if not surpass it. To make such a bold claim is disingenuous to a player who is trying to bounce back.

Given time and opportunity, Simmons can certainly become an All-Star-level talent again. Still, there are no guarantees; things are always fluid and can go either way. Parsons knows this. He's been in the NBA. He understands the pressure and scrutiny. Nevertheless, Simmons will never have a better chance to announce his return as an elite threat in the NBA than this season with the Nets.

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